Bell Auditorium renovation in 'home stretch,' to reopen in time for May 31 concert

Downtown Augusta will soon be getting one of its most popular venues back.

The Bell Auditorium's renovation and expansion project is in the "home stretch" and will be ready to reopen within the next month, according to Project Manager HB Brantley at Tuesday's Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority Meeting.

"You'll see a flurry of activity going on," Brantley said. "Most of the major things have been installed. We're in the cleaning process now. I think in the next couple of weeks you'll see the outside being wrapped up. The landscaping's going in, the pavement's going to happen next week."

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The Bell has been closed since June 2023 to undergo a $17.5 million redevelopment creating a new grand entrance and classy speakeasy for the venue as well as updated bathrooms, dressing rooms, and other amenities. An elevator has also been installed for performers and staff.

A grand unveiling is expected within the next few weeks. While no date has been confirmed, Brantley said the Bell will be ready for its first event of the year on May 31 featuring Ben Folds, an alternative rock and piano pop artist and member of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Tickets start at about $51.

For more information, go to augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Bell Auditorium in Augusta renovation, expansion to finish by May